Community Participation and Rural Water Supply Development in Sierra Leone

Abstract

Provision of improved water wells is part of the integrated approach to rural development, currently undertaken by development agencies in Sierra Leone. Community self-help in meeting part of the cost of input to be provided is essential in promoting the effective utilization of the service provided. This study surveys the improved water wells programme of Plan International Rural Development Project in Makari-Gbanti Chiefdom, Northern Province of Sierra Leone. The improved wells were found to be least effective in meeting dry season water supplies to villagers. Among the factors responsible for this situation is the illconceived nature of the community self-help development strategy adopted. Villagers were found to meet part of the cost of the improved well not because of the genuine felt need for the system, but because they are interested in the associated benefits of the integrated package – roads, schools, health centres, community centres etc. The final section introduces a case study village of a successful water supply scheme through a well-conceived community involvement strategy. Lively community self-help is the key to promoting effectively manned schemes in Sierra Leone.